B2 League Round 36 (Regular Season): Iwate defeat Fukuoka R. in the closest game of the week

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 36 in the B2 League took place in Fukuoka. This derby game ended with only two-point home defeat of their close opponent Rizing (16-20) to fifth ranked Big Bulls (10-26) 52-50 in the game for the fifth place. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Clay Mounce (199-1998, college: Furman, agency: Slash Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds and Serbian power forward Marko Tejic (209-1995) who added 10 points and 12 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was German Tim Schneider (208-1997) with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 18 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Iwate maintains fifth position with 10-26 record which they share with defeated Fukuoka R.. Fukuoka R. at the other side keeps the fifth place with 20 games lost. Iwate are looking forward to face Aomori W. (#7) at home in the next round. Fukuoka R. will play against Kumamoto V. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked Rebnise (18-17) against fourth ranked Volters (19-17) on Sunday night. Host Rebnise was defeated by Volters in Renova 102-85. The winners were led by American Rawle Alkins (197-1997, college: Arizona) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 22 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists and Mitch Lightfoot supported him with 28 points and 9 rebounds. Even 14 points and 9 rebounds by American-British center Josh Sharma (213-1995, college: Stanford) did not help to save the game for Kagoshima. Rebnise's coach rotated twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Volters have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Kumamoto V. moved-up to third place. Kagoshima at the other side dropped to the fourth position with 17 games lost. Kumamoto V. will play against Fukuoka R. (#5) at home in the next round. Kagoshima will play against Bambitious in Nara and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Hyogo. First ranked host Storks (32-4) defeated second-best Firebonds (27-9) 94-78. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Firebonds. The best player for the winners was Yoeli Childs who had a double-double by scoring 28 points and 10 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Patrick Gardner who recorded a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kobe S. maintains first position with 32-4 record. Loser Firebonds keeps the second place with nine games lost. Kobe S. will meet at home Shizuoka (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Fukushima will play against Fukui B. (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 36: Fukui B. won against Aomori W. on the opponent's court 72-63. Bambitious were outscored by Ehime in a home game 65-98. Shinshu managed to beat Shizuoka on the road 72-65. Yamagata was crushed by Yokohama on its own court 85-104. Iwate was beaten by Fukuoka R. in a road game 74-70.



Aomori W. - Fukui B. 63-72

Rather expected game in Aomori where 7th ranked Watts (6-30) were defeated by fourth ranked Blowinds (20-16) 72-63 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was American Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke, agency: Slash Sports) who scored 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Lithuanian forward Rapolas Ivanauskas (208-1998, college: Cincinnati, agency: Slash Sports) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American center Max Hisatake (203-1998, college: IlIinois Tech) who recorded a double-double by scoring 20 points, 19 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals and point guard Kenshin Nabeta (182-2004) added 12 points respectively. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Fukui B. maintains fourth position with 20-16 record. Aomori W. lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 30 games lost. They share the position with Shizuoka. Fukui B. will meet at home league's second-placed Fukushima in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Aomori W. will play against Iwate (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Fukui B.: K.Ryan 15+8reb+4ast, I.Rapolas 14+6reb+3ast, J.Mitsuda 9+1reb, E.Perry 8+4reb+1ast, Y.Nishino 7+4reb+2ast, D.Mosaku 6+2reb+6ast
Aomori W.: M.Hisatake 20+19reb+4ast, N.Kenshin 12+2reb+3ast, W.Wang 11+2reb, M.Beni 8+1ast, T.Dalger 8+5reb+1ast, A.Shugo 4+2reb

Fukuoka R. - Iwate 50-52

The most exciting game of round 36 in the B2 League took place in Fukuoka. This derby game ended with only two-point home defeat of their close opponent Rizing (16-20) to fifth ranked Big Bulls (10-26) 52-50 in the game for the fifth place. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Clay Mounce (199-1998, college: Furman, agency: Slash Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds and Serbian power forward Marko Tejic (209-1995) who added 10 points and 12 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was German Tim Schneider (208-1997) with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 18 rebounds and the former international forward Takanobu Nishikawa (196-1992) scored 6 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Iwate maintains fifth position with 10-26 record which they share with defeated Fukuoka R.. Fukuoka R. at the other side keeps the fifth place with 20 games lost. Iwate are looking forward to face Aomori W. (#7) at home in the next round. Fukuoka R. will play against Kumamoto V. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Iwate: M.Clay 22+10reb+2ast, T.Marko 10+12reb+2ast, G.Noah 8+7reb+1ast, S.Taira 5+2reb+2ast, S.Yamagiwa 5+4reb+3ast, H.Usui 2+2reb
Fukuoka R.: T.Schneider 22+18reb+1ast, R.Aoki 6+2reb, N.Takanobu 6+13reb+6ast, M.Shunto 5+2reb+2ast, S.Eiji 4, A.Keisuke 4+1reb+2ast

Kagoshima - Kumamoto V. 85-102

Very important is a home loss of third ranked Rebnise (18-17) against fourth ranked Volters (19-17) on Sunday night. Host Rebnise was defeated by Volters in Renova 102-85. Kumamoto V. outrebounded Kagoshima 48-35 including 18 on the offensive glass. Kumamoto V. players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists. Kagoshima was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. The winners were led by American Rawle Alkins (197-1997, college: Arizona) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 22 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists and the other American import forward Mitch Lightfoot (203-1997, college: Kansas, agency: Slash Sports) supported him with 28 points and 9 rebounds. Even 14 points and 9 rebounds by American-British center Josh Sharma (213-1995, college: Stanford) did not help to save the game for Kagoshima. American swingman Anthony Gaines Jr (195-1993, college: LCU) added 11 points and 8 rebounds. Five Kumamoto V. and four Kagoshima players scored in double figures. Rebnise's coach rotated twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Volters have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Kumamoto V. moved-up to third place. Kagoshima at the other side dropped to the fourth position with 17 games lost. Kumamoto V. will play against Fukuoka R. (#5) at home in the next round. Kagoshima will play against Bambitious in Nara and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: L.Mitch 28+9reb+3ast, A.Rawle 22+12reb+6ast, S.Yamamoto 16+6reb+5ast, I.Kaito 15+5reb+7ast, M.Lamine 13+4reb+2ast, E.Gregory 4+3reb+2ast
Kagoshima: P.Auda 15+3reb+1ast, J.Sharma 14+9reb+2ast, T.Kodama 11+2reb+2ast, A.Gaines Jr. 11+8reb+2ast, Z.Endo 10+1reb+3ast, N.Rabay 9+4reb

Kobe S. - Fukushima 94-78

The game between Top Four teams took place in Hyogo. First ranked host Storks (32-4) defeated second-best Firebonds (27-9) 94-78. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Firebonds. Kobe S. dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Firebonds's 34. The best player for the winners was American Yoeli Childs (203-1998, college: BYU) who had a double-double by scoring 28 points and 10 rebounds. The other American import Luke Maye (203-1997, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) chipped in 17 points and 8 rebounds. Four Storks players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was Egyptian-American center Patrick Gardner (211-1999, college: Marist) who recorded a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds and Tsukasa Nakano (185-1996) added 20 points respectively. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kobe S. maintains first position with 32-4 record. Loser Firebonds keeps the second place with nine games lost. Kobe S. will meet at home Shizuoka (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Fukushima will play against Fukui B. (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kobe S.: C.Yoeli 28+10reb+3ast, M.Luke 17+8reb+2ast, R.Nomizo 16+3reb+2ast, B.Isaac 10+3reb+1ast, S.Terazono 8+1reb+1ast, R.Kaneda 8+7reb
Fukushima: N.Tsukasa 20+1reb, P.Gardner 19+13reb+1ast, K.Manigault 12+6reb+3ast, S.Riku 8, K.Wiley 5+5reb+1ast, Y.Java 5+2reb+1ast

Bambitious N. - Ehime OV 65-98

Rather predictable result when second ranked Orange Vikings (23-13) smashed on the road 6th ranked Nara (13-23) 98-65 on Sunday. Ehime dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Nara' 20. Ehime outrebounded Bambitious 38-24 including a 31-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. Ehime looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. The best player for the winners was American center Mitchell Watt (208-1989, college: Buffalo, agency: Octagon Europe) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. Naturalized American forward Michael Parker (200-1981, college: Evergreen St.) chipped in 20 points and 5 rebounds. Four Orange Vikings players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Jaemyn Brakefield (203-2000, college: Ole Miss, agency: Slash Sports) who recorded 14 points and 7 rebounds and Ukrainian center Viacheslav Petrov (204-1994, agency: BIG) added 12 points and 9 rebounds respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Ehime maintains second position with 23-13 record having five points less than leader Kobe S. Loser Nara keep the sixth place with 23 games lost. Ehime will meet at home Yokohama (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Bambitious will play against Kagoshima and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ehime OV: P.Michael 20+5reb+1ast, W.Mitchell 18+10reb+7ast, H.Matt 16+5reb, H.Shaquille 15+5reb+5ast, T.Yoshihiko 9+3reb+1ast, R.Takeuchi 7+1reb+3ast
Bambitious N.: J.Brakefield 14+7reb+3ast, V.Petrov 12+9reb+2ast, N.Erimu 9+5ast, H.Jumpei 6+2reb, K.Masaya 5+1reb+1ast, S.Tatsuya 4+3reb+2ast

Shizuoka - Shinshu BW 65-72

Not a big story in a game in Shizuoka where 7th ranked Veltex (6-30) was defeated by first ranked Brave Warriors (28-8) 72-65 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was American Mike Daum (206-1995, college: S.Dakota St.) who scored 26 points and 7 rebounds. point guard Akitoshi Oguri (174-2001, agency: Schafer Sports) chipped in 19 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Guamanian forward Simon Takumi (190-2000) who recorded 14 points and Australian center Angus Brandt (208-1989, college: Oregon St.) added 9 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Brave Warriors have a solid four-game winning streak. Shinshu maintains first position with 28-8 record. Shizuoka lost ninth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 30 games lost. They share the position with Aomori W.. Shinshu will meet at home Yamagata (#6) in the next round where they are favorite. Shizuoka will play against the league's leader Kobe S. in Hyogo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: D.Mike 26+7reb, O.Akitoshi 19+5reb+7ast, M.Wayne 13+4reb, S.Tokairin 3+1ast, C.Aki 3+4reb+2ast, K.Louis 3+1reb+1ast
Shizuoka: S.Takumi 14+4reb+2ast, K.Lawson 13+5reb, C.Ndow 10+6reb, K.Mitsuki 9+3reb+2ast, A.Brandt 9+7reb+3ast, K.Masuda 4+4reb+7ast

Yamagata - Yokohama EX 85-104

Everything went according to plan in Yamagata where third ranked Excellence (25-10) outscored 6th ranked Wyverns (8-28) 104-85 on Sunday. Yokohama dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Wyverns's 36. Yokohama forced 21 Yamagata turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Yamagata's players. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) who scored 27 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Forward Elyjah Williams (201-1998, college: Northwestern) chipped in a double-double by scoring 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was James Bell (196-1992, college: Villanova, agency: Slash Sports) who recorded 19 points and 6 assists and center Noah Waterman (211-2000, college: Louisville) added 15 points respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Yokohama maintains third position with 25-10 record having four points less than leader Kobe S. Yamagata lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 28 games lost. Yokohama will meet league's second-placed Ehime in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Yamagata will play against the league's leader Shinshu (#1) in Nagano and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yokohama EX: B.Tray 27+5reb+6ast, W.Elyjah 20+10reb+5ast, C.Serignemourtala 13+3reb+4ast, M.Zack 10+1reb+2ast, I.Nagano 8+1ast, T.Nishiyama 7+2ast
Yamagata: J.Bell 19+4reb+6ast, N.Waterman 15+4reb+3ast, Y.Kentaro 13+3ast, R.Abe 11+3reb+1ast, L.Jonghyun 7+1reb, S.Taisei 5+4reb

Fukuoka R. - Iwate 74-70

There was a minor upset in Fukuoka where their close opponent Big Bulls (10-26) were defeated by fifth ranked Rizing (16-20) 74-70 on Monday. Fukuoka R. outrebounded Iwate 33-21 including 20 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was German Tim Schneider (208-1997) who scored 20 points and 8 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). The former international forward Takanobu Nishikawa (196-1992) chipped in 23 points. At the other side the best for losing team was point guard Sogo Yamagiwa (179-2002) who recorded 18 points and 7 assists and American forward Clay Mounce (199-1998, college: Furman, agency: Slash Sports) added 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists respectively. Big Bulls' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Fukuoka R. maintains fifth position with 16-20 record which they share with defeated Iwate. Loser Big Bulls keeps the fifth place with 26 games lost. Fukuoka R. will meet higher ranked Kumamoto V. (#3) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Iwate will play against Aomori W. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Fukuoka R.: T.Nishikawa 23+2reb+3ast, S.Tim 20+8reb, E.Shimoyama 9+3reb+3ast, A.Pablo 7+16reb+1ast, S.Murakami 6+4ast, A.Ryuji 4+2reb+1ast
Iwate: Y.Sogo 18+2reb+7ast, C.Mounce 15+6reb+4ast, I.Harumichi 11+2ast, N.Gurley 8+3reb, M.Tejic 8+4reb+1ast, N.Takumi 4+2reb+1ast